i-D Magazine

Adwoa Aboah asks the brave question “who run the world?” by Harley Weir, Inez van Lamsweerde & Letty Schmiterlow for i-D’s, Female Gaze Issue, Fall ’16. Each story brings a unique perspective with style points that, “focus on brilliant women enriching fashion, art and culture of today.” Shot in Franklin Canyon Park, Weir’s Female Gaze Cover brings one of the most in-demand photographers working today. “In Conversation with Harley Weir” gives us a peak into the world of this artistic dreamer, as we get an upfront seat to the story of her life. A brave soul, she fuels the fire of artistic integrity while she forwards the cause of sexual equality. Her instinct is to protect the vaginal visions – A Female Born 2 B Free – she stands at the forefront – Proud 2 B She. Asking where Harley gathers inspiration, she answers in a straight-forward, appealing tone; “Seeing, touching, smelling, hearing, reading, writing, abstract moments of intrigue… all of the stuff life throws at you.” That is the purity of power that comes from this compelling creature. She speaks about her inability to “confine beauty,” in one of the most compelling statements I’ve had the privilege to consider. The very mention of this construct brings to mind the endless sufferings of my fore-females. To marvel in the moments of magic this story ponders in the Wonders of Weir. We’ve been so consumed with the concept of capturing perfection – we’ve lost touch of the precious nature of what we are seeking. It’s in that artful reckoning that we find home.

Storming through in a spectacle of light, her skin radiates as each freckle dances free. When the face goes naked the brows transform as Thomas de Kluyver brings us to a place that’s bleached beyond recognition. Skin intoxicates with features so alive we could stare into infinity. Beauty burns through the page as red reveals itself in a rightful rage. The eyes see all as Kabuki creates a scarlet shadow that screams to be seen. Following this season’s most forward turn, mascara is minus as lashes are left free. Color takes a stand, as crimson crosses over the lids a black line rides just above the crease, leaving the illusion of depth. The sun it falls upon my face as I am transported forth to a lovely place, where flowers grow and winds do grace with fertile sounds of hope. In the subtle tones of Summer we sing a sweet farewell, a silent song that says so long as birds regale us with love’s brilliant bond. Julia Sarr-Jamois keeps things cool with funky fashions that feel their way. While Alastair McKimm gives us a triple dose of chic in black/white/red. Adwoa leans against a giant tree with her eyes closed, feeling the power of her sisters above. Holding the body of a nude female in her arms, Aboah’s gentle natures erupts. #FreeTheNipple – she braved her own brilliant path and is now sharing her story with the world in the courageous, Gurls Talk. Art evokes the very core of who we are. Through the eyes of the female we see the fertile mind of a growing girl – Through the souls of brave women beats the heart of many a hero.